DOCSLIB.ORG

University of Alberta

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
University of Alberta UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA Historicizing the Biological: Physical Data, Disease History and New World Aboriginal Peoples Shelly Lee Kathenne Funston O A thesis subrnitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts History Department of History and Classics Edmonton, Alberta Spring 2001 National Libtary Bibliothèque nationale 1+1 of-a du Canada A uisitions and Acquisi'rtions et ~~iogra~hicServices seMces bibliographiques The author has gmnted a non- L'auteur a accordé melicence non exchisive licence allowhg the exciusive permettant a la National Library of Canada to Bibliothèque nationale du Canada de reproduce, loan, distriibute or sell reproduire, pr&er, distriiuer ou copies of this thesis in micloform, vendre des copies de cette thèse sous paper or electronic formats. la forme de rnÎcrofiche/film, de reproduction sur papier ou sur format électronique. The author retains ownership of the L'auteur conseme la propriété du copyright in this thesis. Neither the droit d'auteur qui protège cette thèse. thesis nor substantial extracts îrom it Ni la dièse M des extraits substantiels may be pUinted or otherwise de ceue-ci ne doivent être imprimés reproduced without the author's ou autrement reproduits saru son permission. autorisation. R.G.Collingwood on obscure topics: Their obscurity is a challenge; you will have to invent new methods for studying them. and then you will probably find that the cause of their obscurity is some defects in the methods hitherto used. When these defects have been nmoved, it will be possible to revise the generally accepted opinions .. and to correct the erron with which those opinions are perhaps infected. In this sense, knowledge advances not 'from the known to the unknown', but €rom the 'unknown' to the luiown'. An Autobiography (London: Oxford University Press, 1939), pg. 86. To Dr. John Foster - ïîie scholar who showed an archoeologist the joy of history Abstract Disease has ken, and continues to be, a major factor in the political, economic and social realities of human populations. The field of Disease History is significantly different fmm that of medical history, and requires the historian to utilize non-traditional data sets to comprehend fully the biological realties of disease. In this way, the politicai, economic and social impacts of disease can be better understood, Using the case study of the disease history of New World aboriginal peoples, this thesis will show how the use of physical data will strengthen the historian's ability to understand disease as a biological reality. The use of physical data will ultimately assist the historian to mate a better history of disease in pre- contact societies, and to place later introduced diseases within their proper contexts. Without the excellent guidance of Dr. Julian Martin, this thesis could not have been completed It is one thing to have an advisor, and quite another to work with someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about your topic - it has motivating powers beyond belief. A heardeit thanks to my examining cornmittee for making rny defense tough, but not overwhelming. To the staff of the Department of History and Classics, thank you for opening your dwrs to an archaeology undergrad, and for your encouragement and patience during my many 'side-trips' into the working world of archaeology and public history. Yes, the thesis took five years, but the experience I gained in the 'outside world' has made me a better historian. A special tribute is paid to the administrative staff of this department who, through their many kindnesses, have made it a wondemil place to work. From the Provincial Museum of Alberta, a bouquet of pouherds to Dr. Heinz Pyszczyk for being a valuable mentor in the field of archaeology, as well as a good fiiend. It was through the good graces of Dr. Pyszczyk that 1 was able to conduct field studies in support of this thesis. The lab work for this thesis would not have been possible without the assistance of Dr. Alwynne Beaudoin. She generously provided the lab space, rnaterials, advice and good humour to see it through. Additionally, the identification of specimens and technical advice was provided by Dr. Alan Shostak of the University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences. Without the assistance of these three individuals, 1would still be staring blankly at a bag of dirt. On a personai level, 1 am deeply indebted to my colleague and f'riend Celeste Josephine Unon for keeping me on track (and letting me vent) To my Mom, I'hi sorry there arent more picturrs, but Ihi sure youll enjoy it anyway. A glas of sherry might help you there. And, to Carey .. Ultimately, if it weren't for your persistence, this would never have been cornpleted. How can 1 ever thank you for your continued motivation and for your patience with my fits and glares when you would gentiy ask "How's the thesis coming dong?". Table of Contents METHODOUX~IES ........................................................................................................................48 ARCHAEOPARAS~M~OGY:AN hTRODUCIION ......................................................................... 51 ARCHAEOPARAS~~OLDGICALDATA FROM COPRO= ..............................................................54 ARCHAEOPARANTOUX;ICALDATA FROM SOUS....................................................................... 57 PALAEOPATHOLOC~Y................................................................................................................... 58 PARASRO~~GICALDATA FROM S KE~ETALREMAINS ................................................................. 59 PARAS~LXX~ICALDATAFROM MUMMIES............................................................................. 60 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................... 61 FUTURE DIRE~ONSEOR RESEARCH........................................................................................ 69 APPENDIX '9'' .ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVLDENCE OF SOME DISEASES IN PRE- COLUMBIAN ABORIGINAL POPULATIONS -----------.rnmWo----*-o 84 Chapter One A Prescription for Disease History What is the domain of history? 1s it that collection of information found in the documentary record? Does history exclude other data that relates to the pst? Oral historians have argued successfully that data other than the written record is a valid form of testimony, yet even this move away from the documentary record leaves the study of history, in practise, lirnited to the study of words. To restrict history to the analysis of the written and spoken word is to consüain historical enquiry artificially. It is not my intention to debate the definition of 'history'. Joyce McKay has argued that defining 'history' is as problematic as defining 'freedom' or 'democracy', and 1 agree.' My work seeks instead to broaden the scope of historical enquiry by showing the need to use physical data in certain fields of study. Histonans and archaeologists both seek meaning about the past - it is only their data sources that differ. Historians make their interpretations from words, while archaeologists and physical anthropologists find meaning in the physical remains of past humans and their cultures. These disciplines usually examine different aspects of the past and only rarely are there blending or overlapping of the methods and techniques. Interdisciplinarity does occw historical archaeologists, when examining post-contact era sites, use documentary data to help interpret featuns and artifacts. The reverse, however, rarely happens: histonans do not generally use physical data to support observations recorded in documents. There remains a need for such interdisciplhary work in order to improve our understanding of many facets of the pst. An example of this interdisciplhary work is Disease history, specifically the understanding of disease in New World aboriginal cultures. This thesis demonstrates how the use of biological data, in the form of archaeological and physical anthropological information, may aid the historian in constructing the disease history of New World aboriginal peoples. 1 Joyce Mcby, The Coalesmce of Hiktory and Archaeology" Historical Archaeology Vol.10 (1976)' p. 93. 1 The source of disease information most comrnonly used by historians is documents. Such items can relate symptoms and illness, which is an individual recorder's interpretation of an experience of disease. They often cannot provide reliable data of disease itself. Sometimes only p hysical evidence, recovered by archaeological or physical anthropological investigations, cm do that. But historians remah separated fiom these fields and £kmthe data used in them. The separation between the disciplines is arbitrary (albeit cornmon enough) and the failure of these disciplines to cornmunicate has impoverished our knowledge of the disease history of aboriginal peoples. To address disease history adequately, a reconciliation of the disciplines is necessary. The result would benefit several fields of inquiry at one and the same time. As interpreted fiom the documentary record, history is based less on facts or evenfs per se, than on thoughts recorded about them2 As such, this fonn of 'history' is based not upon tangible evidence, but upon statements which have been filtered both through the culture and mind of the recorder and of the historian. This presents a problem when one wishes to create a history of facts or events that were not recorded. In
Load more

Recommended publications
  • History and Narrative in a Changing Society: James Henry Breasted and the Writing of Ancient Egyptian History in Early Twentieth Century America
    History and Narrative in a Changing Society: James Henry Breasted and the Writing of Ancient Egyptian History in Early Twentieth Century America by Lindsay J. Ambridge A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Near Eastern Studies) in The University of Michigan 2010 Doctoral Committee: Associate Professor Janet E. Richards, Chair Professor Carla M. Sinopoli Associate Professor Terry G. Wilfong Emily Teeter, Oriental Institute, University of Chicago © Lindsay J. Ambridge All rights reserved 2010 Acknowledgments The first person I would like to thank is my advisor and dissertation committee chair, Janet Richards, who has been my primary source of guidance from my first days at the University of Michigan. She has been relentlessly supportive not only of my intellectual interests, but also in securing fieldwork opportunities and funding throughout my graduate career. For the experiences I had over the course of four expeditions in Egypt, I am deeply grateful to her. Most importantly, she is always kind and unfailingly gracious. Terry Wilfong has been a consistent source of support, advice, and encyclopedic knowledge. His feedback, from my first year of graduate school to my last, has been invaluable. He is generous in giving advice, particularly on matters of language, style, and source material. It is not an overstatement to say that the completion of this dissertation was made possible by Janet and Terry’s combined resourcefulness and unflagging support. It is to Janet and Terry also that I owe the many opportunities I have had to teach at U of M. Working with them was always a pleasure.
    [Show full text]
  • A Reflection on Bruce and Barbara Trigger Based on Oral-Historical Interviews and Personal Correspondence
    X. Upcoming conferences The announcement of next year’s personal-histories panel You are invited to an informal, round-table-panel historical discussion of the transformations in theory and method which occurred during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The oral-historical panel is scheduled for Monday, October 22 2007, from 4.00 to 6.00pm, at the Cambridge University Biffen Lecture Theatre, Genetics Building, Downing Street Site, Cambridge University. A super homemade tea will be served beforehand at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology beginning at 3.00pm. A wine reception follows also at the Museum. A lovely formal dinner is then planned at St John’s College. Professor Henrietta Moore from LSE, Professor Meg Conkey and Professor Ruth Tringham from UC Berkeley, and Professor Alison Wylie from the University of Washington, will reconstruct their experiences, moving from the New Archaeology, opening and founding post-processual approaches. There is no charge except for the dinner. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pamela at [email protected] XI. Necrology: Bruce Trigger A reflection on Bruce and Barbara Trigger based on oral-historical interviews and personal correspondence Pamela Jane Smith ([email protected]) Bruce G. Trigger, a world-esteemed, multi-talented and many-facetted intellect, a great and brilliant archaeologist and historian, died on 1 December 2006 in Montreal leaving ‘the world a smaller and saddened place’.1 His wife, Barbara Welch, a lesser-known but equally sophisticated thinker, died of heart failure on 18 January 2007. ‘They were a team’,2 observed Barbara’s sister. Although obituaries and tributes seldom capture even a small part of the depth of a human life, the Triggers, indeed beloved and respected, are here briefly remembered.
    [Show full text]
  • Narrative Section of a Successful Application
    Narrative Section of a Successful Application The attached document contains the grant narrative and selected portions of a previously funded grant application. It is not intended to serve as a model, but to give you a sense of how a successful application may be crafted. Every successful application is different, and each applicant is urged to prepare a proposal that reflects its unique project and aspirations. Prospective applicants should consult the Office of Digital Humanities program application guidelines at http://www.neh.gov/grants/odh/humanities-open-book-program for instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consult with the NEH Office of Digital Humanities staff well before a grant deadline. Note: The attachment only contains the grant narrative and selected portions, not the entire funded application. In addition, certain portions may have been redacted to protect the privacy interests of an individual and/or to protect confidential commercial and financial information and/or to protect copyrighted materials. Project Title: Humanities Open Book Program – Cornell University Institution: Cornell University Project Director: Dean J. Smith Grant Program: Humanities Open Book Program 1. Table of Contents 2. List of Participants ...................................................................................................... 2-1 3. Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 3-1 4. Narrative a. Intellectual Significance of
    [Show full text]
  • The Bulletin
    THE BULLETIN Number 104 Fall 1992 Contents Preface 1 Charles F. Hayes III Arthur C. Parker's Contributions to New York State Archaeology 3 Lynne P. Sullivan A Tribute to William A. Ritchie and Louis A. Brennan 9 Herbert C. Kraft Marian E. White: Pioneer in New York Archaeology 14 Susan J. Bender Charles F. Wray: The View from the Hill 21 Lorraine P. Saunders Avocational Archaeology in New York State 28 Gordon DeAngelo Some Notes on Cross-Border Archaeology in This Region 31 James F. Pendergast The History of the New York State Archaeological Association: A Summary 44 Charles F. Hayes III In Memo rium 49 Richard Bennett (1919-1991) Richard E. Hosbach John H. McCashion (1932-1992) 50 Robert J. Go rall Preface This issue contain, several papers presented at the As this issue was being assembled, John 75th .Anniversary Meeting of the New York State McCashion, NYSAA Secretary, passed away. John's Archaeological Association in Rochester. April 12-14, unfailing dedication to the NYSAA will be long 1991. In future issues additional papers related to NYSAA remembered as will his passion for European clay-pipe history will be published. The editor acknowledges with research. Members should note that President Robert appreciation all the various individual NYSAA members Gorall appointed Muriel Gorall as Interim Secretary. She who, over the years, have interacted with him in his has pledged to maintain the continuity of the NYSAA's various capacities within the organization and who long history of careful documentation of its activities. recently supplied photographs of- members and chapter activities for this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction Chapter 1
    Notes Introduction 1. In this book, unless otherwise indicated, the word anthropology will be used as a short­ cut to designate sociocultural anthropology. Chapter 1 1. Pre-publication drafts of the 1991 article that sections of this chapter are based upon capitalized "Savage" when this term referred to the abstract category, rather than to a specific and historical subject or group of individuals. That distinction was obvious in Trouillot 1991; in this volume capitalization of the term will be used for clarity. 2. For reasons of space, I cannot retrace here all the connections between re cent debates in philosophy and literary theory and recent critiques of anthropology. Our readings are too parochial anyway-to the point that any major thinker needs to be translated into the discipline by an insider. Anthropology has much more to learn from other disci­ plines, notably history, literary criticism, and philosophy, than the reflexivist inter­ preters assume. There are blanks to be filled by the reader with proper use of the bibliographical references. 3. Other reasons aside, long-term fieldwork in the so-called Third World, after the initial dissertation, is becoming more difficult and less rewarding for a majority of anthropol­ ogists. Unfortunately, issues such as the increased competition for funds to do fieldwork abroad or the growing proportion of two-career families within and outside of academe only make good conversation. Practitioners tend to dismiss them in written (and there­ fore "serious") assessments of trends in the discipline. The sociology of our practice is perceived as taboo, but see Wolf (1969), whose early appeal for such a sociology fell on deaf ears, and Rabinow (1991).
    [Show full text]
  • Huron-Wendat Archaeological Heritage: Building Relationships Towards Collaboration
    HURON-WENDAT ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS TOWARDS COLLABORATION Patrimônio arqueológico Huron-Wendat: construindo relações para a colaboração Alicia L. Hawkins* Louis Lesage** ABSTRACT There is a long history of academic interest in the Huron-Wendat people of the seventeenth century in Ontario. Despite this interest, archaeologists and other academics have only recently begun to engage with the Huron-Wendat community regarding excavations of Huron-Wendat sites in Ontario. This engagement is a first step, and it does not represent true collaboration, because in most cases investigations are not partnerships and do not arise from questions posed by members of the Nation. In 2015, to mark the four-hundredth anniversary of the arrival of Champlain in Ontario, members of the Huron-Wendat Nation and archaeologists co-organized a conference focussed on subjects of interest to the Nation, including their relationship with the “St. Lawrence Iroquoians,” Wendat and Wyandot history after 1650, and bioarchaeological analyses. This paper presents a brief history of archaeological research on the Huron-Wendat past and outlines some new, more collaborative avenues of present and future research. Keywords: Huron-Wendat Nation, collaborative archaeology, Ontario * School of the Environment. Laurentian University. Sudbury, ON Canada. +1-705- 675-1151. [email protected] ** Bureau Niowentsïo. Nation huronne-wendat. 255, place Chef Michel Laveau. Wendake, QC Canada. +1-418-843-3767. [email protected] História: Questões & Debates, Curitiba, volume 66, n.2, p. 111-138, jul./dez. 2018 112 HAWKINS, A. L. e LESAGE, L. Huron-Wendat Archaeological Heritage RÉSUMÉ L’intérêt universitaire pour la population Huron-Wendat du dix- septième siècle en Ontario est loin d’être nouveau.
    [Show full text]
  • Bruce Graham Trigger (1937-2006)
    2007 Varia Bruce Graham Trigger (1937-2006) Bruce Trigger excelled in multiple fields of research obtained his B.A. in Anthropology at the University and analysis of many cultures. In terms of culture, of Toronto in 1959, and his Ph.D. in Anthropology his foci from the outset centred on Nubian Egyptian at Yale University in 1964, the latter funded by a on the one hand, and Canadian Amerindian on the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship award. His thesis other. His first academic publication investigated “sought to trace the changing size and distribution ‘The destruction of Huronia,’ (Transactions of the of population of Nubia from the beginnings of Royal Canadian Institute 33.1.68 [1960] 14-45), and agriculture in that region to the Moslem conquests he continued to write in both of the 1500s [and] sought to disciplines simultaneously prove that most changes in for virtually the rest of his population size and life. At the same time, and distribution could be whilst also teaching full- accounted for by four time at McGill University variables: environmental in Montréal from 1964, he changes, changes in also developed to an agricultural technology, incredibly high standard changing patterns in what has become the best warfare and trade,” and was known of his three ‘hats’ – co-supervised by William that of historian, theologian Kelly Simpson and the and critic of archaeological New World archaeologist theories and developments Michael Coe. During this in their various time he also served as chief manifestations worldwide. archaeologist for the 1962 Within this last discipline Yale/Pennsylvania he produced one of his excavations at Arminna several magnum opi and Bruce G.
    [Show full text]
  • How to TEACH ANCIENT HISTORY: a MULTICULTURALMODEL by FRANK J
    How To TEACH ANCIENT HISTORY: A MULTICULTURALMODEL BY FRANK J. YURCO TODAY'S SCHOOL teachers have trouble finding reli- tians, Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Romans. 3 Several able and updated curriculum sources on ancient his- excellent popular journals also handle current archaeo- tory, particularly as it relates to the Near East. In recent logical research, such as the American Institute of years, Afrocentrists have tried to fill in the gaps with their Archaeology's Archaeology, the Biblical Archaeology own revisionist views. They have met with a great deal Society's Biblical Archaeology Review, and the private- of success, especially in urban schools, where many Afro- ly published Kemet. The American Institute of Archaeol- centric materials have received official sanction despite ogy offers membership to anybody interested, and it also their historical distortions and misinterpretations. has local branches across the country. Much of the problem lies in teacher education pro- Another valuable resource is the academic alliance grams, which largely fail to expose student teachers to concept. Academic alliances are organized locally the most current information on ancient history and cul- between colleges or universities and school teachers. tures. Most teachers graduate from college with very lit- They strive to create networks among professional schol- tle knowledge of the ancient world, which, if studied at ars and K-12 teachers. In such programs teachers are all, was probably surveyed rather than closely examined. invited to attend lectures by specialists and to approach This failing echoes in the woeful misunderstanding of and share ideas with scholars. Academic alliances have history exhibited by many students entering college.
    [Show full text]
  • Ontario Archaeological Society Arch Notes
    Ontario Archaeological Society Arch Notes New Series Volume 12, Issue 2 ISSN 0048-1742 MarchiApril2007 ----- Not your typical archaeological find: Jean-Luc Pilon describes his experiences digging at an important Canadian World War 1 battle site. starting on p. 15. Photo by Jeen-LuG Pilon OASNews Articles '1 3 President's message 6 Introducing the Huronia Chapter, by Marilyn Cornies 4 From the GAS office... 11 My recollections of Paul W. Sweetman, Archaeologist, by Charles Garrad I 10 Symposium call for papers 15 Digging into Vimy Ridge: Challenging our History, by Jean-Luc Pilon 22 GAS chapter listings Visit us on the Web at www.ontarioarchaeology.on.ca Ontario Archaeological Society Board of Directors Appointments & Committees President Editor, Ontario Archaeology Jean-Luc Pilon rt [email protected]. Inet.ca • Hamson. Susan Jamieson. Eva McDonald, Alicia Henry van Lieshout (416) 446-7673 henry_vanliesh Director of Services Car (416 edit Vacant Director of John L. Crees jlcreese@trinity. Director of Public C) eorge (TMHC), Alicia Hawkins of Pikwakanagim), (705) 675-1151 ext. 4224 useum of Civilization) [email protected] Executive Director Lise Ferguson 1444 Queen Street East, Suite 102 Professional Committee Toronto, ON M4L lEI Chair: Alicia Hawkins Phone/fax: (416) 406-5959 Cathy Crinnion, Holly Martelle, Jean-Luc Pilon, [email protected] Paul Racher, Andrew Murray Board meetiug dates in 2007 Symposium 2007 Kingston January 6 Chair: Alan MacLachlan April 14 Volunteer Recognition Task Force July 14 September 29 Chair: Jean-Luc Pilon; Members: Carole Stimmell, Cathy Crinnion J President's message By Jean.Luc Pilon see for yourself), the bottom line is P.E.I., Nova Scotia, Quebec, President that licensing authorities can no Alberta, the Plains, Yukon, British I was recently at a meeting of the longer accept the destruction of Columbia.
    [Show full text]
  • Research Bibliography for American Indian Studies
    Research Bibliography for American Indian Studies Compiled by American Indian Studies Program Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Note: The inclusion of any resource on this list should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation on the part of the compiler or the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Teachers are encouraged to preview all books and to use their own judgment about appropriateness depending on grade level and/or class preparedness. There are several websites that include reviews or suggestions for conducting your own review, including Oyate (www.oyate.org), American Indians in Children’s Literature (americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com), and the American Indian Library Association (http://aila.library.sd.gov). The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/) is another outstanding source for locating children’s’ books. I. Introductory Resources A. Reference B. American Indian History in the United States C. Research Methods/Historiography D. Key Periodicals and Journals E. Wisconsin and the Great Lakes F. 20th Century Contemporary American Indians II. Selected Resources by Nation A. Ho-Chunk B. Menominee C. Ojibwe D. Oneida E. Potawatomi F. Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans III. Bibliography by Topic A. Archaeology and Anthropology B. Biography and Autobiography C. Cross-Cultural Encounters and Exchanges D. Demography E. Economics and Economic Development F. Education 44 G. Environmental Issues H. Federal Indian Policy I. Food and Clothing J. Gaming K. Language and Linguistics L. Law, Treaties and Tribal Sovereignty M. Literature - Traditional Literature; Poetry and Prose; Literary Criticism N. Math and Science O. Music, Dance and Games P.
    [Show full text]
  • The African Origin of Civilization: Myth Or Reality? Free Ebook
    FREETHE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF CIVILIZATION: MYTH OR REALITY? EBOOK Cheikh Anta Diop,Mercer Cook | 336 pages | 01 Jul 1989 | A Cappella Books | 9781556520723 | English | Los Angeles, CA, United States the african origin of civilization myth or reality - PDF Free Download This Classic presents historical, archaeological, and anthropological evidence to support the theory that ancient Egypt was a Black civilization. The book contains over fifty illustrations, many of The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality? newly selected for this book, which further document Dr. Laymen and scholars alike will welcome the publication of this one The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality? translation of the major sections of C. It was largely because of theses works that at the World Festival of the Arts held in Dakar inDr. Diop shared with the late W. Dubois an award as the writer who had exerted the greatest influence on Negro thought in the 20th century. Ancient Egypt was a Negro civilization. The history of Black Africa will remain suspended in air and cannot be written correctly until African historians dare to connect it with the history of Egypt. In particular, the study of languages, institutions, and so forth, cannot be treat properly; in a word, it will be impossible to build African humanities, a body of African human sciences, so long as that relationship does not appear legitimate. The African historian who evades the problem of Egypt is neither modest nor objective, nor unruffled; his is ignorant, cowardly and neurotic. Anthropologically and culturally speaking the Semitic world was born during proto-historic times from the mixture of white-skinned and black- skinned people in western Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • (Second Edition) the Archaeology of Bruce Trigger
    A History of Archaeology Thought (Second Edition) by Bruce G. Trigger. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 710 pp. ISBN 0–521–84076–7 (hardcover) US$90. ISBN 0–521–60049–9 (paperback) US$31.99. 2006. and The Archaeology of Bruce Trigger edited by Ronald F. Williamson and Michael S. Bisson. McGill-Queen’s University Press, Montreal and Kingston. ISBN 0–7735–3127–0 (hardcover) $80. ISBN 0–7735–3161–0 (paperback) $29.95. 2006. ruce Trigger occupies a tower- ogy a distinctive and perhaps somewhat Bing and distinctive position in Anglo- skeptical perspective that both influ- phone archaeology, having successfully enced Trigger and which he influenced steered an apparent middle intellectual in turn. They find interesting contrasts course between the Scylla of extreme between the contents of the Journal of positivism and the Charybdis of extreme Canadian Archaeology (CJA) and American relativism during his career. I say “appar- Antiquity (AA). AA papers are far more ent” because while he quite explicitly likely to be concerned with culture pro- does that in some publications, in others, cess, whereas more CJA papers are con- such as A History, he seems to offer a cerned with archaeological practice and third ground, not a middle course. Some archaeology’s role in the broader con- of the 16 chapters in The Archaeology of temporary society. They do not mention Bruce Trigger also wonder whether his that one of the major papers on practice distinctive position and influence stem in AA in the last decade was by Canadian from being a Canadian archaeologist. authors (Pokotylo and Guppy 1999).
    [Show full text]